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EPCR statement: Champions Cup semi-finals venues
By Ian Cameron
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has announced the potential venues for the semi-finals, based on the clubs with the highest rankings from the pool stage of the tournament.
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The stadiums were selected following close consultation with Premiership Rugby, the United Rugby Championship, and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby. The clubs with the highest rankings from the pool stage of the tournament will earn home country advantage for the matches. This means that Leinster, Stade Rochelais, Exeter Chiefs, and the Cell C Sharks have the possibility of playing in front of their home crowds, depending on the results of the upcoming fixtures.
The EPCR will announce the dates, venues, kick-off times, and TV coverage for the semi-finals as soon as possible following this weekend’s fixtures. This means that rugby fans will have to wait a little longer to find out which teams will be playing where and when.
Top seeds Leinster could be in line for a ‘home run’ to the final should they beat Leicester Tigers this weekend in the Aviva, potentially playing four back-to-back games at the home of Irish rugby. However, if a South African side qualifies as the top seed for the semis, their fixture will be held in Europe.
Possible semi-final matches and venues – 28/29/30 April
• Leinster Rugby (A1) v either Stade Toulousain (B2) or Cell C Sharks (A3) – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (capacity: 51,700).
• Stade Toulousain (B2) v Leicester Tigers (B4) – Matmut ATLANTIQUE, Bordeaux (capacity: 42,100).
• Cell C Sharks (A3) v Leicester Tigers (B4) – StoneX Stadium, London (capacity: 10,300)
• Stade Rochelais (B1) v either Exeter Chiefs (A2) or DHL Stormers (B3) – Matmut ATLANTIQUE, Bordeaux (capacity: 42,100).
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• Exeter Chiefs (A2) v Saracens (A4) – Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol (capacity: 27,000).
• DHL Stormers (B3) v Saracens (A4) – Twickenham Stoop, London (capacity: 14,800)
As previously referenced and agreed with SARU, if a South African representative happens to qualify for a Heineken Champions Cup semi-final as a highest-ranked club, the match will be staged at a venue in Europe.
Quarter-finals
(Pool stage rankings in brackets / All kick-offs local times)
Tomorrow
QF 1: Leinster Rugby (A1) v Leicester Tigers (B4), Aviva Stadium (20.00)
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Saturday
QF 2: Stade Toulousain (B2) v Cell C Sharks (A3), Stade Ernest Wallon (16.00)
QF 3: Exeter Chiefs (A2) v DHL Stormers (B3), Sandy Park (17.30)
Sunday
QF 4: Stade Rochelais (B1) v Saracens (A4), Stade Marcel Deflandre (16.00)
Semi-finals – 28/29/30 April
SF 1: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 2
SF 2: Winner QF 3 v Winner QF 4
2023 Heineken Champions Cup final: Saturday 20 May; Aviva Stadium, Dublin (16.45)
